Hey Smith,
I feel like you're a kindred spirit. A few years ago I went to look at a '45 1/2-ton. It was a civilian truck, so definately rare, it was totally complete, but it was cancer ridden. Today, it's possible that i would have gone for it, but i was in college at the time, so I didn't have the time or money for a project that size. I passed up on it, despite loving the lines on that truck. I've had my eyes open for one since than, and this summer found a '46 GMC, complete, no cancer, and, after getting it home, fresh gas and jumper cables were all it needed to start. It was only $800. I'm a firm believer that if you know what you're looking for and have patience, you'll get exactly what you want for the right price.
Just my humble opinion, but $1000 seems a little steep to me.
